Beginning 1st October 2018, the HSE will be conducting its latest inspection initiative, focused on the construction sector.
Employers can expect HSE surprise inspections to place an emphasis on ensuring workers are protected from long-term health complications, such as occupational lung disease, that typically result from asbestos, silica, wood or other dust exposure.
These harmful substances are known as slow killers and are the focus of the HSE’s #DustBuster campaign to protect construction workers’ lungs. In a recent news bulletin, the HSE explained that although the impact is not as immediately evident as that of safety flaws, a failure to prioritise workers’ health and guard against slow killers could lead to serious complications later in life. Indeed, the HSE estimates that there are 8,000 work-related cancer deaths each year, with 3,500 of those fatalities stemming from the construction industry. What’s more, asbestos and dust exposure are the primary causes of these deaths.
This News Alert summarises what employers can expect HSE inspectors to focus on as part of these inspections.